Human trafficking gang targeted

BBC NEWS | UK | Northern Ireland | Human trafficking gang targeted

Six women, believed to be the victims of human trafficking, have been rescued in Belfast and Londonderry as part of a UK-wide police operation.

Five were rescued in Belfast, and one in Derry during the investigation.

Police said Operation Sleek was aimed at dismantling a Chinese organised crime gang and rescuing their victims.

Three people have been arrested, one in Belfast and two in Worcestershire, on suspicion of human trafficking and controlling prostitution.

A 39-year-old man was arrested in east Belfast and has been taken to Antrim police station.

The two other arrests were made in England by officers from West Mercia Police accompanied by PSNI detectives at properties in the Summerhill area of Kidderminster.

West Midlands Police and PSNI officers also searched a property in Birmingham.

The two suspects, a 40-year-old woman and a 41-year-old man, are being brought to Antrim police station for questioning.

Property in Newry, County Down was also searched.

'Vulnerable'

The officer in charge of the operation, Detective Chief Superintendent Essie Adair, said the arrests were part of a co-ordinated operation against human trafficking in the United Kingdom.

"This is nothing more than a modern form of slavery in which vulnerable women are used and abused to make substantial profits for organised crime gangs," he said.

"This particular operation has been a long time in the planning, involving a number of partner agencies and with co-operation from two Chinese victims.

"Police will continue to work with partner agencies to disrupt and dismantle these gangs, wherever and whenever they come to our attention."

The suspected victims are being cared for under arrangements funded by the government with support from the Police Service and delivered by Women's Aid Federation (NI) and the Migrant Helpline.

The UK Human Trafficking Centre, the Serious Organised Crime Agency, the UK Borders Agency, Women's Aid, the Migrant Helpline and the Poppy Project were also involved in the multi-agency operation.